Niger

Photo:WFP/Marco Frattini

Niger: The Last Hours Of Peace For Nigerian Refugees

World Food Programme Communication Officer Marco Frattini witnessed the last peaceful hours of Bosso, Niger, at the border with Nigeria, only a day before the communities in the area were attacked by armed militants from Nigeria. Despite the difficult circumstances, the local communities have shown tolerance towards and solidarity with the Nigerian refugees who have been fleeing from the recent escalation of violence. As WFP food assistance continues despite the extremely dangerous security situation, this report brings to our attention the mixed emotions of both refugees and local communities in a "calm before the storm" atmosphere.

Overview

Niger is a landlocked, least-developed, low-income, food-deficit country in the Sahara–Sahel belt, with a population of over 16 million. Niger ranks last on the 2013 Human Development Index (186 of 186 countries), and life expectancy at birth is 55 years. The fertility rate is among the highest in the world, at 7.6 births per woman, and the maternal mortality ratio is 590 per 100,000 live births.